Winter’s Bone (2010)

Nominated for 4 Oscars
An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.

Based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell and co-written by Granik and Anne Rosellini, Winter’s Bone depicts how young Ree’s life is changed when the local sheriff informs her that her dad, Jessup, (on the run after being arrested for “cooking” methamphetamines) has put the family’s house up as bond and that, unless he is found and convinced to turn himself in, Ree’s family will lose their house.

Insisting to the sheriff that she will find him, the young girl begins a search among friends, family members, distant relatives, and the community of small-time crooks, dope dealers, and kingpins that make up the male-dominated rural society. No one wants to talk and Ree is met with silence, hostility, and even violence.

A refreshingly original American drama/thriller that steers clear of the usual Hollywood candy floss. Jennifer Lawrence delivers what is arguably her best performance to date.